This is an old revision of the document!
Early game does not need much of a guide, simply gathering materials for other skills will be plenty but for getting to milestones and wanting to do defense primary can some times be a bit harder when your weapons kill so fast.
Some may think this is a way of “cheesing or cheating” the game mechanics but it is very affective.
Defense xp is gained when you are hit even if there is no damage done so wear your best armor for the type of monster you will be fighting, typically Melee Protection and NO WEAPON. you will punch and kick only dealing very little damage.
Depending on your level you want to pick an area that has aggressive monsters but your armor protects most of the attacks or else carry food/acorns/spirit totems/etc and use it as needed. (later when you are able to hire Loras The Nimble he heals and does not attack and is perfect for this!
You can do this at the Lurkless Stalker area in Silvermirror Fen by the fishing book and a steak that re-spawns.
If you stay there still for too long (as if AFK) you will get a message on your screen.
When you see this message don't freak out just move your char to a different area, teleporting seems to work and your game will auto save. I did test this feature and as long as I moved after my save had no issues.